TaxiPoint Magazine April 2025 Edition Launched: Industry confronts TfL Action Plan and VAT challenges
- Perry Richardson
- 8 hours ago
- 2 min read
The April 2025 issue of TaxiPoint Magazine, now in its 72nd edition, delivers a full review of the evolving pressures facing the UK’s taxi and private hire industry. From Transport for London’s latest Action Plan to a potentially industry-altering VAT court case, the edition dissects developments that could reshape the trade in the coming months.
The front pages delve into TfL’s new Taxi and Private Hire Action Plan, a 57-page document widely criticised for lacking practical measures. Trade leaders, including the LTDA and FREENOW, describe the strategy as vague and failing to address driver shortages or the sector’s financial pressures.
Also featured is an exclusive Q&A with Layla Barke-Jones, a legal expert involved in the crowdfunding challenge against Uber’s VAT position. The legal outcome could determine whether all private hire operators must charge VAT on every fare. The discussion highlights the broader implications for traditional operators, drivers, and customer costs should the Supreme Court rule against them.
Cross-border licensing also returns to focus with an in-depth analysis of how a nationally enforced Intended Use Policy could support local enforcement. The article explores how the current Triple Lock system is being undermined by out-of-area licensing practices and how introducing stricter conditions could help rebalance the regulatory system.
Recruitment remains a key concern. An investigation into London’s declining taxi driver numbers looks at recent changes to the Knowledge of London test and questions whether the reforms go far enough to attract new entrants.
The edition also reviews Gett’s “Return-to-Office” report, revealing that most workers are open to returning to the office full-time—if they receive incentives. The findings examine how this shift may impact urban transport demand, particularly for taxi operators linked to corporate accounts.
Survey data collected by TaxiPlus and TaxiPoint sheds new light on the average UK taxi and private hire driver. The study highlights rising costs, the prevalence of abuse, and the tension between traditional and app-based working models. Cross-border licensing and electrification remain top concerns.
On tax reform, the Government’s plan to raise the Self-Assessment threshold is examined. While the change may benefit a small number of part-time drivers, most in the trade are expected to see little impact.
The magazine also tracks the latest enforcement activity, including vehicle safety spot checks and licensing breaches. These include illegal pick-ups, revoked licences, and dangerously worn tyres—issues flagged across multiple regions including Liverpool, Wolverhampton, and Warwick.
Regionally, updates include Glasgow’s introduction of electric black cabs on its booking app and developments in Northern Ireland’s Class C licensing rules. Meanwhile, drivers in Lewes, Derby, and the Scottish Borders respond to proposed licensing changes and fare increases.
In the business section, readers will find updates on LEVC-approved low-emission tyres from ENSO and new 5G taxi connectivity hardware from Queclink. Ubiquitous founder Andrew Barnett also announces his retirement after 20 years in the taxi advertising sector.
